Right out of the blocks, our new PR Director, Vikki takes a deep dive into the Fitness and Wellness trends to look out for in 2025!
January is an exciting time to hit the reset button and start setting some fitness goals for the year ahead. If you’re anything like me, you might already be planning which races to enter or considering other sporting events to challenge yourself throughout the year. It’s the perfect moment to reflect on where fitness is headed and embrace the fresh trends shaping our approach to movement and wellness.
After attending the Strava Year In Sport event at the tail end of last year and diving into the Pure Gym Fitness Report, I’ve been inspired to take a closer look at what’s making waves in the fitness and wellness scene. Let’s check out the key trends redefining how we move, connect, and thrive in 2025.
A Shift Toward Connection
Group activities are taking centre stage, with running continuing to lead the pack. In 2024, running had a huge moment, becoming Strava’s fastest-growing social sport. Participation in running clubs surged by a whopping 59%, and 58% of members reported making new friends through group runs. Women’s participation in run groups increased by an impressive 89%, proving the power of connection and inclusivity in fitness. For Gen Z, fitness has become less about boozy night outs and more about social workouts—this generation is four times more likely to build connections (find love!) through movement than through partying.
But it’s not just about running. Tailored wellness retreats incorporating hiking, wild swimming, and even community saunas are on the rise. These retreats offer a unique blend of relaxation, recovery, and mindfulness, catering to a growing demand for sustainable and inclusive experiences.
Tech, Trends, and Transformation
The tech revolution in fitness shows no signs of slowing down. Wearables powered by AI are making fitness smarter and more personalised than ever before. Apps like Runna and Coopah are using advanced algorithms to tailor workouts to individual goals, while Strava’s AI-driven workout analysis provides in-depth feedback that keeps athletes on track. These tools are transforming the way we train, making fitness more accessible and efficient for all levels of enthusiasts.
Innovations extend to cycling, where e-bikes with better battery life and eco-friendly designs are gaining popularity, offering a sustainable and stylish way to get moving. Ollie in the team is a big fan of the FLITEDECK, and tells me they are smashing it with all things bike tech. Meanwhile, the home workout scene continues to evolve, with foldable machines, virtual reality (VR) gamification, and AI-powered coaching leading the charge. The intersection of technology and fitness is enabling people to push boundaries, set new goals, and stay motivated like never before.
Credit: @FLITEDECK & @Wahoo
Home Workouts, Here to Stay
The convenience of home workouts remains unbeatable, particularly as cost-of-living concerns persist. Enhanced home fitness setups featuring high-tech machines, virtual reality experiences, and accessible AI-powered workout plans are making it easier than ever to get a great sweat in without stepping outside. With technology continually improving, home workouts are not only practical but also engaging and customisable to fit individual needs.
Adventure Awaits
Fitness enthusiasts are turning their workouts into adventures, with travel playing a big role. Epic cycling races and marathons in unique destinations are emerging as the ultimate fitness getaways, offering opportunities to explore beautiful locations, connect with friends, and come away with shiny medals under their belt. Trail running is surging in popularity, especially among younger demographics seeking the perfect mix of challenge and exploration. Family events like Soul Circus festival and running festivals such as Love Trails emphasise the social aspect of fitness, proving that it’s not just about hitting personal bests but also about forging meaningful connections for all to enjoy.
Credit: @LoveTrails
Weight Training’s Rising Star
Weight training is having a serious glow-up, particularly among women. Strava recorded a 25% rise in weight-training uploads last year, making it the fastest-growing sport for women. This momentum is expected to continue in 2025, with strength training, resistance workouts, and recovery practices like ice baths taking centre stage.
Fitness as a Lifestyle
The line between fitness and lifestyle is becoming increasingly blurred. Athleisurewear is no longer just for the gym; it’s evolving into multifunctional, stylish attire that transitions seamlessly from workouts to workdays. Consumers are demanding clothes that blend performance with fashion, and brands are responding with innovative designs. Collaborations like On x LOEWE, KEEN x HYKE and New Balance x AURALEE showcase bold aesthetics that marry functionality with style. According to Strava’s Year in Sport review, coordinated gym outfits are set to dominate, reflecting a collective desire to look and feel good while breaking a sweat.
Credit: @NB
Retail and Community Hubs
Runners and cyclists are flocking to retail-community hybrids that blend shopping, workouts, and socialising. These spaces offer everything from group runs and stretch sessions to coffee and craft beer hangouts, creating creative hubs for fitness lovers and brands alike. They’re also becoming hotspots for brand and PR launches / networking events, fostering a sense of community while offering unique opportunities to connect and collaborate. I’ve enjoyed hanging out with my good friends and co-founders, Oli Hoosen and Matt Horrocks at their awesome Knees Up community space in Hackney since opening last year. It’s such a fantastic destination for creatives to go pre and post movement to chat all things running, and the food / coffee offering is so spot on!
Credit: @Kneesup
Final Thoughts
In 2025, fitness is less about competition and more about community. Whether it’s a group run, a wellness retreat, or a virtual workout powered by AI, the focus is on shared experiences, sustainability, and enjoyment. This year, the fitness world invites us to move together, connect deeply, and embrace activities together, so grab your trainers, go join a community run and get ready to make 2025 your healthiest, happiest year yet.
